outdoors

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife family is mourning the sudden, tragic loss of one of its own.

Tuesday afternoon around 4:30 p.m., 24-year-old David Mutabazi, a seasonal employee at Steamboat Lake State Park since May, apparently drowned while swimming in the park's lake after his shift had ended. A witness says Mutabazi was approximately 100 yards from shore when he began struggling in the water. The witness says she tried to swim to him and help, but Mutabazi disappeared under the water before she was able to reach him.

Due to lower water levels in Rampart Reservoir and related safety concerns, the management partners of the reservoir site will close the boat ramp and watercraft inspection station for the remainder of the season, starting at 5 p.m., Sunday, July 15.Management partners include Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the U.S. Forest Service. The decreased water levels in Rampart Reservoir are affecting the operability and safety of the boat ramp for launching and loading trailered/motorized boats.

Thinking of hopping in an inflatable inner tube to float the Arkansas River along any of the 152 miles within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA)? Don't forget your personal flotation device (PFD), or life jacket as they are commonly known.

"PFDs are not just a smart recommendation for safety in the AHRA", said AHRA River Ranger Jeff Hammond. "They are mandatory safety gear throughout the recreation area, including the whitewater parks in Buena Vista, Salida and Canon City."

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is asking for the public's help in collecting information related to two mountain goats that were shot and found dead July 3, approximately 2.8 miles up the Quandary Peak Trail in Summit County.

Conditions Report - Statewide

Anglers can vie for $5,000 in cash prizes and actively participate in an important wildlife-management activity at this year's Fourth Annual Smallmouth Bass Tournament at Ridgway State Park, July 7-28. The tournament is sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

No tournament entry fee is required, and the more smallmouth bass anglers catch and keep the better their chances of winning prizes. Anyone 16 years and older must have a Colorado fishing license to participate.